Be More You crew picture

Be More You

London, United Kingdom

Crew at a Glance

Be More You is a remarkable and essential community founded in London in October 2018 with a clear and powerful mission: to support runners, communities, and crews around the world with positive mental health and guidance. Stemming from a heartfelt conversation between its founders, Rob Ellis and Sha Hussain, the group has become a beacon of hope and a safe space in the running community. They operate under the welcoming motto, "No one belongs here more than you." Uniquely, they don't host regular fixed runs; instead, they work with other crews in London and internationally, hosting workshops, talks, and shakeout runs to spread their message.

Be More You: The Running Movement Championing Mental Health in London and Beyond

The story of Be More You started with an honest conversation. After a track session at Mile End Stadium with the Track East community, two friends, Rob Ellis and Sha Hussain, shared their personal struggles with mental health. Motivated by an Instagram post from Rob that said, "It's okay not to be okay," they saw the need for a safe space where runners could openly express their feelings and be heard. From that conversation on World Mental Health Day in October 2018, the idea was planted, and the Be More You movement was born.

The philosophy of Be More You is that running and mental well-being are closely connected. The founders, along with a dedicated group of people including Sarah Curtis, Lindsay Rosenthal, Annabel Lake, and Onder Doner, aimed to build a community that supports runners with a comprehensive approach to their health. Through engaging talks and workshops, they share the message of positive psychology, using activities like active listening, gratitude exercises, and mindfulness practices to help runners develop resilience, optimism, and self-care. Their message is clear and powerful: it's okay not to be okay, and you are not alone on your journey.

The Be More You community is a global one. While it was founded in London, its influence has reached many places. They have visited and collaborated with running groups in cities like New York, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Stockholm. Led by a dedicated and diverse leadership team that includes Anastasia (who started a chapter in Moscow for Russian speakers), Lindsay, and Trina Scott, they have built partnerships with like-minded groups to spread their positive mental health message and support runners around the world.

Be More You stands out from the crowd by defying the norms of a typical run crew. While they don't have a traditional, fixed weekly run, they make their mark by teaming up with other crews in London and beyond. They host workshops, participate in running expos and festivals, and organize their own shakeout and easy runs. Their first sessions were weekly check-ins at Cafe 1001 off Brick Lane, where runners gathered to share their experiences. This innovative and flexible approach allows them to connect with and support a diverse range of individuals across the global running community.

With a dedicated core group leading the way, Be More You welcomes all runners to join their movement. They have moved beyond the limits of a traditional membership structure, creating an inclusive environment where anyone can participate and contribute. Their message of acceptance, mutual support, and fun resonates strongly, reminding us that we are never alone on our running journey.

### The London Running Scene

Be More You shines brightly, serving as a vital support line for the whole London running community. Their story is deeply rooted in their local area, **Track East**, but they work with many different crews across the city. London is a global hub for the scene, home to pioneers like **Run Dem Crew** and other influential groups such as **Midnight Runners** and **Rep Runners**.

The city of London pulses with a lively energy that provides a vibrant backdrop for this inspiring journey. From my current location in Cape Town, the thought of its iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods is captivating. Popular running routes like the scenic **Thames Path** and the Royal Parks, including **Hyde Park**, serve as the training grounds for this incredible community. The city's premier racing event is the **TCS London Marathon**, which winds through the city's most iconic streets.